Wadeea Al Handal Participates in the Baghdad Pulse Phase Two Progress Review with Prime Minister Al-Sudani

Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani chaired a meeting on Sunday, 16 November, to review progress on the second axis of Al-Rasheed Street, one of Baghdad’s most important historic corridors. The session brought together senior officials and technical teams, along with Mr. Wadeea Al Handal, Chairman of Al Handal International Group and President of the Iraqi Private Banks League (IPBL).

The project forms part of the Baghdad Pulse (Nabd Baghdad) initiative, supervised by the Baghdad Municipality and the Iraqi Private Banks League, with funding from the Central Bank of Iraq. The initiative aims to revive the historic corridor and connect it to a broader tourism route across the capital.

Mr. Handal’s attendance highlights the continued cooperation between the financial sector and government institutions. Through IPBL, he supports national programs that strengthen urban development, encourage private-sector participation, and stimulate investment in Baghdad’s historic and commercial districts.

The second phase of the project covers 3.5 km, from Al-Rasafi Square to the start of Abi Nawas Street, and includes the rehabilitation of 183 public and private buildings. The meeting also reviewed progress achieved in the first axis and discussed development plans for the Bataween area.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasized maintaining the strong pace of earlier works and reaffirmed the importance of restoring Al-Rasheed Street as a cultural and historical landmark for the Iraqi people.